What to plant in October in Missouri
In Missouri (MO), the average first fall frost (October 18) falls in October itself. The state averages 186 frost-free days a year (last frost April 15, first frost October 18; USDA zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a).
2 crops have a sowing or planting window this month: shallot, garlic.
Dates here come from Missouri frost dates (last frost Apr 15, first frost Oct 18). For one crop in detail, see when to plant garlic, tomato or lettuce in Missouri.
Missouri: planting activity through the year
For fall and winter harvests (2)
Sowings counted back from Missouri's first fall frost, so the crop matures before the cold - or, for garlic and similar, planted after it.
Harvesting in October
First harvests expected this month from crops sown or planted on time earlier in the season.
Planting dates for popular crops in Missouri
Every crop has its own full-year dates for Missouri: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Spring bulbs to plant in October in Missouri
Spring-blooming bulbs should be planted in October so they go through a cooling process over the winter. Daffodils are the best choice for Missouri because they handle the warmer temperatures and keep blooming year after year. Tulips will likely need to be replanted every couple of years. Hyacinths adapt worst: temperatures rise too quickly in spring for the bulbs to store food, so they tend to decline after the first year. (University of Missouri Extension) ↗
Fall garden season: October garden jobs in Missouri
- The average first frost is October 18. Pick tender crops (tomatoes, peppers, squash, beans) before it, or cover them on cold nights.
- Still time to sow or plant: shallot, garlic. Fast greens and radishes are the safest bets this late.
- Row cover buys 4-6°F of frost protection and weeks of extra harvest - see season extension.
- Pull finished crops and sow a cover crop (cereal rye or crimson clover) into empty beds before the soil gets cold.
USDA zone chart for Missouri
Missouri spans USDA zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a. Colder zones, usually higher or further inland, have a later last spring frost and an earlier first fall frost than the state average.
Questions gardeners ask
What vegetables can I plant in Missouri in October?
2 crops have a window in October: shallot, garlic. The tables above give the exact dates for each.
Is it too late to plant garlic in Missouri in October?
No - plant in fall (after first frost) runs Oct 29 – Nov 15 in Missouri.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in Missouri in October?
For this year, yes - the tomato windows in Missouri have closed. The next step is to start seeds indoors from about February 18.
When is the first frost in Missouri?
The statewide average first fall frost is around October 18 and the last spring frost around April 15. Your town can be a week or two either side - look yours up by ZIP code.
What can I harvest in Missouri in October?
From plantings made on time: zucchini / summer squash, cucumber, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, bush bean, kale, lettuce, brussels sprouts, bok choy / pak choi.
When should I plant spring bulbs in Missouri?
Spring-blooming bulbs should be planted in October so they go through a cooling process over the winter. Daffodils are the best choice for Missouri because they handle the warmer temperatures and keep blooming year after year. Tulips will likely need to be replanted every couple of years. Hyacinths adapt worst: temperatures rise too quickly in spring for the bulbs to store food, so they tend to decline after the first year. (University of Missouri Extension). See the bulb planting guide for depth and spacing.
What to plant in October in other states
Dates are computed from Missouri’s statewide average frost dates (from NOAA/NCEI climate normals) and each crop’s timing in our crop database. Your garden may be a week or two either side - for dates tuned to your ZIP code, use the planting calendar.